Decorative privacy fence and method of construction

ABSTRACT

A decorative privacy fence includes a wire fence fabric having a multiplicity of open vertical channels; a multiplicity of privacy slats inserted into the open vertical channels; and an image on the privacy slats with a portion of the image on each of the multiplicity of the privacy slats. The decorative privacy fence provides additional privacy by advantage of the eye&#39;s natural tendency to focus on an image that is presented to it. When the eye is focused on an image in the foreground, the background will be out of focus and will largely be ignored by the observer. By placing a decorative image on the surface of a privacy fence, the eyes will be drawn to the image and will focus on it. Even though the fence is not completely opaque, objects and activities behind the fence will be ignored by the casual observer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application60/601,401, filed on Aug. 13, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fence structures and methodsof construction. More particularly, it relates to a chain link fencehaving privacy slats inserted into the fence with an image applied to atleast one side of the slats for decoration, information, advertising orother purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following patent publications relate to chain link fenceconstructions having slats, tiles or panels inserted into the fence forprivacy, wind protection, decoration, information, advertising or otherpurposes. These and all other patents and patent applications referredto herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,955 granted to Cummings for Lattice insert

Abstract: An insert consisting of a plastic square that is fastened to aplastic garden-lattice that affects the lattice's functional andornamental characteristics. This device is dispersed throughout thelattice according to personal preference to achieve varying degrees ofboth function and ornamentation, with regards to protection from theelements, colors, composition, letters, numbers, embossing, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,175 granted to Snow, et al. for Tile type fencinginsert

Abstract: A rectangular sheet of flexible and resilient material such asplastic with notches at the midpoint of its sides. The size of the sheetand notches allow the insert to be placed into and located by a cell ofa chain link fence. Notches fit around the wire crossovers of the chainlink fence and locate the insert at the mid-plane of the fence. Thecorners of the insert extend into adjoining cells. Adjoining insertsoverlap to provide complete visual privacy. The tile-like nature of theinserts allows great flexibility in arrangements and colors to providevisual privacy, decoration, words, logos, or signage.

U.S. RE36,085 granted to McLaughlan, et al. for Chain link fencing withdecorative slats that provide complete privacy

Abstract: Chain link fencing having a plurality of elongate picketmembers comprising elongate slats that lie in diagonal valleys of thechain link fencing. Elongate, U-shaped channels lie along the respectivesides of each elongate slat. The channels fit over and cover a row orridge of knuckles formed along the side of each of the respectivevalleys of the chain link fencing. The pickets cover essentially theentire side of the chain link fence and leave no spaces or openingsbetween pickets. The system thus provides complete privacy. Engagementmembers are associated with the channels to secure the channel membersand thus the pickets to respective rows or ridges of knuckles on thechain link fencing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,092 granted to McLaughlan, et al. for Chain linkfencing with decorative slats that provide complete privacy

Abstract: Chain link fencing having a plurality of elongate picketmembers comprising elongate slats that lie in diagonal valleys of thechain link fencing. Elongate, U-shaped channels lie along the respectivesides of each elongate slat. The channels fit over and cover a row orridge of knuckles formed along the side of each of the respectivevalleys of the chain link fencing. The pickets cover essentially theentire side of the chain link fence and leave no spaces or openingsbetween pickets. The system thus provides complete privacy. Engagementmembers are associated with the channels to secure the channel membersand thus the pickets to respective rows or ridges of knuckles on thechain link fencing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,381 granted to Cluff, et al. for Wire fencing withdecorative slats that provide essentially complete privacy

Abstract: Wire fencing having a plurality of elongate picket membersthat lie adjacent to a side face of the chain link fencing so as to besubstantially superposed over the fencing. Engagement members extendfrom the back faces of the picket members to project into the fencingand engage respective mounting members positioned within the fencing oron the opposite side face of the fencing. The interengagement of theengagement members and the mounting members holds the picket membersfirmly in place on the side of the fencing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,199 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencing withdecorative slats

Abstract: In a chain link fence having a plurality of elongate slatswoven through the links of the chain link fabric, an improved system forretaining and locking the slats in the chain link fabric comprises (1)an elongate rail woven between consecutive links of the chain link fencesuch that the rail lies adjacent to mutually respective, aligned, firstends of the elongate slats, and (2) engagement members formed integrallywith the mutually respective first ends of the elongate slats, with theengagement members including interlocking means which make interlockingengagement with the elongate rail when the respective first end of theelongate slat is abutted against the elongate rail.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,664 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencing withdecorative slats

Abstract: In a chain link fence having a plurality of elongate slatswoven through the links of the chain link fabric, an improved system forretaining and locking the slats in the chain link fabric comprises (1)an elongate rail woven between consecutive links of the chain link fencesuch that the rail lies adjacent to mutually respective, aligned, firstends of the elongate slats, and (2) engagement members formed integrallywith the mutually respective first ends of the elongate slats, with theengagement members comprising a pair of separate, distinct, spaced apartbarbs positioned adjacent to the respective side edges of the slat. Thebarbs make interlocking engagement with the elongate rail when therespective first end of the elongate slat is abutted against theelongate rail.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,044 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencingcontaining decorative slats and locking clips

Abstract: In a chain link fence having a plurality of elongate slatswoven through the links of the chain link fabric, an improved system forlocking and retaining the slats in the chain link fabric comprises anelongate clip member which is received in locking interengagement in areceptacle or opening in the respective slat. The clip member can be ofthe type which simply extends from the sides of the slat to form anobstruction with the links in the fence such that the slats cannot beremoved from the fence. Alternatively, the clip members can be adaptedto extend from the slat to a bottom rail so as to lock the slats to thebottom rail such that the slats cannot be removed from the fence.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,761 granted to Cluff for Chain link fencingcontaining decorative slats

Abstract: A means for retaining slats woven flatwise through the linksof a chain link fence is provided with a receptacle formed in each ofthe slats and a generally U-shaped clip member having legs engagingrespective receptacles in adjacent slats.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,975 granted to Howell for Insert member for chainlink fences

Abstract: A device designed to be secured to a chain link fence improvesthe appearance of the fence and partially closes the openings in thefence so as to provide privacy and wind protection. Decorative blocks,such as of wood or plastic, are installed onto the obliquely angledwires of the fence via a wire-receiving groove formed in one surface ofeach block. Each block extends partially over each of two adjacent fenceopenings on either side of the wire. Flexible connectors, such as oflight wire, are strung generally in lines to connect the series ofblocks and secure their position and orientation. Installation of alarge number of the blocks provides the appearance of a closed fence,improves the appearance of the fence and provides some wind protection.

GB 2329913 filed by Haynes et al. for Screened chain link fencing

Abstract: A chain link fence, made from wire mesh which is screened bymeans of the insertion of lightweight slats which are secured parallelto each other by means of a u-shaped channel, and, or the use of asecuring wire, which can be passed through a securing stud in or toprevent their movement or unwanted removal of the slats from the fence.If required the slats can be printed, or a sign or image applied to theslats, so as to provide a slatted hoarding for the presentation ofinformation such as an advertisement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One disadvantage of many of the prior art privacy fences is that they donot provide an adequate level of privacy. It is easy for passers by tofocus through the gaps between the colored privacy slats to see what isbehind the fence. On the other hand, the few examples that areconfigured to provide complete privacy by overlapping the slats toeliminate the gaps require more elaborate construction and areconsequently more expensive to make and install. What would be desirabletherefore is a privacy fence that provides enhanced privacy withouthaving to resort to complex and expensive constructions.

To solve this problem, the present invention takes advantage of theeye's natural tendency to focus on an image that is presented to it.When the eye is focused on an image in the foreground, the backgroundwill be out of focus and will largely be ignored by the observer. Byplacing a decorative image on the surface of a privacy fence, the eyeswill be drawn to the image and will focus on it. Even though the fenceis not completely opaque, objects and activities behind the fence willbe ignored by the casual observer. This provides an enhanced level ofprivacy without having to resort to complex and expensive fenceconstructions. The decorative privacy fence of the present invention canalso be configured to provide additional advantages, such as windprotection, decoration, information, advertising, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a decorative privacy fence constructed inaccordance with the present invention having a chain link fence withprivacy slats inserted into the chain link fence with an image appliedto at least one side of the slats.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of a decorative privacy fence constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing construction details of thedecorative privacy fence.

FIG. 4 shows construction details of optional features of the decorativeprivacy fence.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a top view and an end view of a fixture used formanually laminating an image onto the privacy slats of the decorativeprivacy fence.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of a privacy slat after lamination.

FIG. 7 shows an interim step in the manufacture of privacy slats from aflat panel of material.

FIG. 8 shows an end view of finished privacy slats made from a flatpanel of material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a decorative privacy fence 100 constructedin accordance with the present invention. The privacy fence 100 isconfigured as a chain link fence made from interwoven strands of wire102 that form an interwoven wire fabric 112. The interwoven wire fabric112 is typically supported between upright posts 116, which areoptionally connected by horizontal rails 118 at the top and bottom ofthe fence 100. The interwoven pattern of the wire 102 leaves amultiplicity of open vertically oriented channels 104 into which amultiplicity of privacy slats 106 can be inserted.

The privacy slats 106 typically have an elongated rectangularconfiguration when viewed from the front. In one preferred configurationshown in FIGS. 3 and 6, when viewed from the ends, the privacy slats 106are typically configured with an elongated rectangular cross sectionwith rounded lateral edges. In one particularly preferred embodiment,the privacy slats 106 are formed as a thin-walled, hollow profilepolymer extrusion with internal walls or webbing between the opposingfaces. This configuration reduces the weight of the privacy slats 106and saves materials costs. Alternatively, the privacy slats 106 may beconfigured with flattened tubular or channel-shaped cross section orother convenient shape. The privacy slats 106 are preferably constructedof a low cost, durable, weatherproof material, for example a polymersuch as polyvinyl chloride or a polymer composite. The privacy slats 106may be formed by extrusion, rolling, stamping, molding or otherconvenient manufacturing process. The privacy slats 106 may be coloredin the manufacturing process or left a natural color.

The privacy slats 106 are preferably configured with at least onegenerally flat surface 108 onto which an image 110 can be applied. Theimage 110 can be applied to the privacy slats 106 using any knownprocess that results in a durable, weatherproof image. The flat surface108 of the privacy slats 106 must be compatible with the imageapplication process. In one preferred method, the image 110 is formed ona durable, weatherproof polymer film, such as polyvinyl chloride ormylar. The polymer film with the image 110 on it is cut into stripsapproximately the width of the privacy slats 106 and applied to the flatsurface 108 using an adhesive, such as a contact adhesive previouslyapplied to the back surface of the polymer film. Advantageously, it hasbeen found that the adhesion of the laminated image to the slatsactually increases with time and weathering. Optionally, an image can beapplied to both surfaces of the privacy slats 106.

The privacy slats 106 with the image 110 applied to them are insertedinto the open vertically oriented channels 104 in the chain link fence112 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the completedprivacy fence 100. Optionally, the back surface of the privacy slats 106can have an image applied to it as well or it may have a uniform coloror a pattern on it.

For standard chain link fences with a repeat pattern of approximately 3½inches, the privacy slats 106 will preferably have a width ofapproximately 2¼ inches and a thickness of approximately ¼ inch to fitinto the open vertically oriented channels 104 in the woven wire fabric112. Privacy slats 106 with a width of approximately 1 inch and athickness of approximately ¼ inch can be used for smaller mesh sizes ofchain link fence. The length of the privacy slats 106 will preferablycorrespond to the height of the woven wire fabric 112 of the privacyfence 100. The privacy slats 106 can be manufactured in any otherdimensions to accommodate other mesh sizes of chain link fences.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing construction details of thedecorative privacy fence 100. Optionally, the privacy slats 106 can besecured in place by bending the free ends 114 of the wires 102 over atthe top and/or bottom of the chain link fence. Alternatively, lockingdevices, such as those described in the prior art, may be used to securethe privacy slats 106 in place.

FIG. 4 shows construction details of optional features of the decorativeprivacy fence. In order to avoid distortion of the image printed on theprivacy fence 100, is important that the privacy slats 106 be properlyaligned with one another along the fence, particularly as compared toprior art privacy fences that use solid colored privacy slats. Toachieve this, the lower ends of the wires 102 can be bent into lowersupport loops 120 that support the privacy slats 106 at the same correctheight, thus providing a datum for aligning the portions of the imageprinted on each of privacy slats 106.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a top view and an end view of a fixture 200 usedfor manually laminating an image onto the privacy slats 106 of thedecorative privacy fence 100. The fixture 200 is preferably configuredto be used on a horizontal table. The fixture 200 includes amultiplicity of channels 202 separated by raised fences 204. The raisedfences 204 will preferably have a height approximately the same as thethickness of the privacy slats 106. Alignment pins 206 or otheralignment features are located approximately on the centerline of eachof the raised fences 204. A multiplicity of undecorated privacy slats106 are placed in the channels 202 of the fixture 200 with the upper andlower ends of the slats aligned and the flat surface 108 facing upward.Next an image formed on a polymer film 122 is adhesively attached to theflat surface 108 of the privacy slats 106. A steel rule or the like (notshown) is aligned with the spaces between the privacy slats 106 usingthe alignment pins 206 on the centerline of the raised fences 204. Thepolymer film 122 with the image on it is slit between the privacy slats106 using a razor knife or other sharp cutting blade. Preferably, theraised fences 204 will be made of wood or metal to resist damage by thecutting blade. The cut polymer film 122 is wrapped around and adheredthe rounded lateral edges of the privacy slats 106, preferably coveringthe privacy slats 106 up to approximately the midpoint of the roundedlateral edges, as shown by the arrow marked W in FIG. 6, which shows anend view of a privacy slat 106 after lamination. This configuration ofthe privacy slats 106 has an additional advantage in that the image onthe privacy slats 106 appears more continuous than if it had only beenapplied to the flat surface 108, including when the fence is viewed fromangles other than perpendicular to the front surface of the fence.Preferably, the privacy slats 106 are marked with numbers, letters orother indicia prior to removal from the fixture 200 to indicate theorder of the slats for later insertion into the open vertically orientedchannels 104 of a chain link fence 112. For example, the indicia may beapplied using removal labels. A portion or all this manual process maybe automated for more rapid and efficient manufacturing of thedecorative privacy fence 100. In addition, the insertion of the privacyslats 106 into the open vertically oriented channels 104 of a chain linkfence 112 may be automated. For example, the privacy slats 106 may beinserted into the vertically oriented channels 104 of a chain link fence112 as the woven wire fabric is being formed.

FIG. 7 shows an interim step in the manufacture of privacy slats from aflat panel of material 130. In this method an image is first applied toa rigid flat panel of material 130, then the flat panel and the imageare cut into strips to form a multiplicity of privacy slats 106, asshown in FIG. 8.

In general, the image may be applied to the flat panel shown in FIG. 7,or alternatively to slats, using any acceptable method. For example, theimage may be applied to the flat panel 130 by printing the image onto apolymer film, for example 3M Controltac IJ180C film, and laminating theprinted polymer film onto the flat panel 130. The image may be printedon the polymer film using a wide format printer, such as those availablefrom Mutoh, Encad, ColorSpan or Hewlett-Packard. Alternatively, theimage may be printed directly onto the flat panel 130 using a wideformat flatbed printer, such as those available from Mutoh, Encad orMimaki. If the flat panel 130 is treated prior to printing, it can beprinted on using solvent base inks. If the flat panel 130 is untreated,it can be printed on using UV cured inks. In other embodiments, theimage is created using autosterioscopic technologies, such as thoseusing paralax barriers, lenticular sheets, or other methods to createholographic or 3D images, moving images, changing images, and othereffects that may be readily created using such technology. In someembodiments both sides of the slats, and thus the fence incorporatingthe slats, may include an image formed thereon.

In one preferred embodiment, the flat panel 130 is configured as ahollow cell profile extrusion formed of a polymer, including, but notlimited to, PVC, polypropylene or polyethylene. The end view of the flatpanel 130 in FIG. 7 and the end view of finished privacy slats 106 inFIG. 8 show the hollow cell profile extrusion configuration. Plat panels130 of this configuration are available in 4×8 and 4×10 foot panels.

Using any of the printing techniques described, the decorative image canbe readily scaled to the size of the privacy fence. Optionally, a UVresistant coating can be applied to the privacy slats 106 afterlaminating or printing to increase durability of the decorative privacyfence 100. Another option is to apply a graffiti resistant coating, suchas 3M Scotchcal High Gloss Graffiti-Resistant (polyester) Overlaminate8912 ES, to the privacy slats 106 after laminating or printing.

The product may be provided in roll form as wire fence fabric withpreinserted printed privacy slats or, alternatively, the printed privacyslats may be provided separately for insertion into the wire fencefabric in the field.

While the present invention has been described herein with respect tothe exemplary embodiments and the best mode for practicing theinvention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatmany modifications, improvements and subcombinations of the variousembodiments, adaptations and variations can be made to the inventionwithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

1. A decorative privacy fence comprising: a wire fence fabric having amultiplicity of open vertical channels; a multiplicity of privacy slatsinserted into the open vertical channels; and an image on the privacyslats with a portion of the image on each of the multiplicity of theprivacy slats.
 2. The decorative privacy fence of claim 1, wherein theimage is preapplied to the multiplicity of privacy slats with a portionof the image on each of the multiplicity of the privacy slats and theprivacy slats are inserted into the open vertical channels in a correctpredetermined order to reassemble the image.
 3. The decorative privacyfence of claim 1, wherein each of the privacy slats has an elongatedrectangular configuration from a frontal view and an elongatedrectangular cross section with rounded lateral edges.
 4. The decorativeprivacy fence of claim 3, wherein the portion of the image on each ofthe privacy slats covers a flat front surface of the privacy slats andapproximately half of both rounded lateral edges.
 5. The decorativeprivacy fence of claim 1, wherein each of the privacy slats isconfigured as a hollow profile extrusion.
 6. The decorative privacyfence of claim 5, wherein the hollow profile extrusion is formed of anextruded polymer.
 7. The decorative privacy fence of claim 1, whereinthe image is printed on a polymer film laminated to the privacy slats.8. The decorative privacy fence of claim 1, wherein the image is printeddirectly onto the privacy slats.
 9. The decorative privacy fence ofclaim 1, wherein the image is covered with a graffiti resistant coating.10. The decorative privacy fence of claim 1, wherein the image isprinted onto a rigid flat panel, and wherein the rigid flat panel issubsequently cut to form the multiplicity of privacy slats.
 11. A methodof constructing a decorative privacy fence, comprising steps of:applying an image on a multiplicity of privacy slats with a portion ofthe image on each of the multiplicity of the privacy slats; andinserting the multiplicity of privacy slats into a multiplicity of openvertical channels in a wire fence fabric in a correct predeterminedorder to reassemble the image.
 12. The method of constructing adecorative privacy fence of claim 11, wherein the step of applying animage on the multiplicity of privacy slats comprises printing the imageon a polymer film and laminating the printed polymer film onto theprivacy slats.
 13. The method of constructing a decorative privacy fenceof claim 12, further comprising cutting the printed polymer film intostrips to fit onto the privacy slats prior to laminating the printedpolymer film onto the privacy slats.
 14. The method of constructing adecorative privacy fence of claim 12, further comprising cutting theprinted polymer film into strips to fit onto the privacy slats afterlaminating the printed polymer film onto the privacy slats.
 15. Themethod of constructing a decorative privacy fence of claim 11, whereinthe step of applying an image on the multiplicity of privacy slatscomprises printing the image directly onto the privacy slats.
 16. Themethod of constructing a decorative privacy fence of claim 11, whereinthe step of applying an image on the multiplicity of privacy slatscomprises applying an image onto a rigid flat panel, and subsequentlycutting the rigid flat panel with the image applied thereon to form themultiplicity of privacy slats.
 17. A method of increasing the privacyprovided by a chain link fence, the chain link fence being of the typehaving a woven wire fence fabric with a multiplicity of open verticalchannels, the method comprising: inserting a multiplicity of privacyslats into the multiplicity of open vertical channels in the woven wirefence fabric, the privacy slats having an image applied thereon with aportion of the image on each of the multiplicity of privacy slats, theprivacy slats being inserted into the multiplicity of open verticalchannels in the woven wire fence fabric in a correct predetermined orderto reassemble the image, the image on the privacy slats encouraging theeyes of an observer to focus on the image applied to the privacy slatsand thus to ignore objects and activities behind the chain link fence.18. The method of claim 17, wherein the image is applied to themultiplicity of privacy slats by printing the image on a polymer filmand laminating the printed polymer film onto the multiplicity of privacyslats simultaneously, and subsequently cutting the printed polymer filminto strips to fit onto the privacy slats after laminating the printedpolymer film onto the privacy slats.
 19. The method of claim 17, whereinthe image is applied to the multiplicity of privacy slats by applying animage onto a rigid flat panel, and subsequently cutting the rigid flatpanel to form the multiplicity of privacy slats.